The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is workable for college students but not the strongest fit — ranked #28 of 47 eligible cards. Several cards listed in alternatives outperform it for this specific use case.

American Express · No annual fee
Amex's no-annual-fee cashback card earns 3% in three powerful everyday categories — supermarkets, online retail, and gas. The online retail 3% is especially valuable as more spending moves online. Disney Bundle credit ($84/year) partially offsets the lack of fee, making this an excellent companion card.
Based on typical college students spending of $9,960/year across the categories below.
Annual rewards
$137
Annual fee
$0
Net value
$137
Cards that rank higher than or close to the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express on our college students scoring model.
The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is workable for college students but not the strongest fit — ranked #28 of 47 eligible cards. Several cards listed in alternatives outperform it for this specific use case.
At the typical college students spending profile of $9,960/year, this card earns approximately $137 in rewards — net $137 after the $0 annual fee.
Our top 3 alternatives are Discover it Student Cash Back, Discover it Student Chrome, Chase Freedom Rise. Each ranks higher on our use-case scoring model for college students.
The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express typically requires good credit. Approval also depends on income, existing debt, and application history — a score in the stated range doesn't guarantee approval.
The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express has no annual fee — there's no breakeven to clear, so any rewards earned on college students spending are pure profit.
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